STYLE: Choral RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 15991-DVD204 LABEL: Interfusion FORMAT: DVD Music video ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
A lovingly made documentary chronicling in some detail the fascinating history of Wales' best known male voice choir. The early days are told mostly with black and white still photos with a modern day version of the choir, filmed in a church, interspersing the history with some stirring musical renditions. From their formation in the Rhondda Valley in 1883 through to the pivotal period when choir director John Haydon Davies turned them a world class ensemble, the story is fastidiously told. If anything, there is too much detail here as when the success really kicks in we are given details of an endless succession of overseas tours with particular emphasis placed on their triumphs in Australia. Also, there are probably too many clips of talking head choir members saying how much the choir means to them while the biggest disappointment was the lack of any clear references to the spiritual dimension of the choir, even though hymnody and such gems as John Haydon Davies' "Climbing Jacob's Ladder" have always been the backbone of the choir alongside their musical flirtations with Burt Bacharach and the repertoire of Queen. All in all though, a useful look at one of the great musical institutions.
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.
Posted by glyn e owen in notts @ 15:16 on Dec 17 2006
maybe he fcts above are true but come on i would be he same
i would brag and boast bove my epliots if i wer one of the
lads they are quite right to speak about it all that says it
all for me why they givr so much time practicing its thier
lovev and mine too well done lasd i cannot wait unitl i see
the next one my current one is nearly worn out already
maybe he fcts above are true but come on i would be he same i would brag and boast bove my epliots if i wer one of the lads they are quite right to speak about it all that says it all for me why they givr so much time practicing its thier lovev and mine too well done lasd i cannot wait unitl i see the next one my current one is nearly worn out already